Matthew 17:2

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 17:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.
Matthew 17:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And was transfigured before them, etc.] Peter, James, and John, before whom he was metamorphosed, or changed into another form; for not the substance of his body was changed, nor even the shape of it altered, only it received a more glorious form; that whereas before he appeared in the form of a servant, and looked mean and despicable, now he appeared in the form and majesty of God; or there was a divine glory; which from his deity showed itself in a visible manner through his flesh: and his face did shine as the sun it had still the same appearance of an human face, but had such a dazzling glory upon it, as equalled the sun shining in its full strength: and his raiment was white as the…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And was transfigured before them - The word “transfigure” means to change the appearance or form. It does not denote the change of the substance of a thing, but simply of its appearance. It puts on a new aspect. What this change was we are expressly told. 1. His face shone as the sun; that is, with a special brightness. A similar appearance is described respecting Moses when he came down from the mount, Exodus 34:29-30. See also Hebrews 1:3, where Christ is called the brightness of the glory of God: in the original, the splendor or shining, like the brightness of the sun. 2. The second change was that of his garments. They were white as the light. Mark says, “exceeding white as snow; so as…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And was transfigured - Or transformed. The indwelling Deity darted out its rays through the veil of the flesh; and that with such transcendent splendour, that he no longer bore the form of a servant. His face shone with Divine majesty, like the sun in its strength; and all his body was so irradiated by it, that his clothes could not conceal its glory, but became white and glittering as the very light, with which he covered himself as with a garment. Matthew 17:3”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:2 Jesus’ appearance was transformed: Jesus’ inner, divine nature, previously veiled, was now disclosed so that the three caught a glimpse of his glory (see Exod 34:29-35; Ps 104:2; 2 Cor 3:12-18; Rev 1:16). Jesus’ followers will one day share in this glory (Matt 13:43).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“transfigured: Luk 9:29; Rom 12:2; Phi 2:6, Phi 2:7 \*Gr. his face: Mat 28:3; Exo 34:29-35; Joh 1:14, Joh 17:24; Act 26:13-15; Rev 1:13-17, Rev 10:1; Rev 19:12, Rev 19:13, Rev 20:11 raiment: Psa 104:2; Mar 9:3 Matthew 17:3”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification